Wednesday, January 21, 2009

PMQs: If Geoff Hoon Can't Pay Attention Why Should We?

I sometimes wonder why I bother to listen to PMQs. Clearly so does Geoff Hoon. He's so bored by what Gordon Brown is saying that he's typing away on his Blackberry. Jacqui Smith is also more interested in what Geoff Hoon is typing than what her beloved leader is saying. But then, again, so would I be.

Gordon Brown was at his typical worst today, failing in any way to answer a single one of David Cameron's questions. Whenever I watch PMQs I try to put myself in the position of a floating voter. Today, any non political geek watching this exchange would have learnt nothing new about the government's approach and would have been heartily sickened by the way the Prime Minister laughed when David Cameron mentioned rising unemployment. They would have been disgusted at his petty jibing about Ken Clarke's return.

Again, the Prime Minister failed to think on his feet. He came armed with quotes, which he was going to read out come what may, whatever the question was. He even managed to deviate far enough to get in a jibe about Ken Clarke's view on Europe, even though Cameron's question had nothing to do with the subject. Of course, a Speaker worth his salt would have pulled him up. Needless to say, that didn't happen. And so to the scores on the doors...

Brown failed to answer a single question, managed to somehow refer to Europe?! and then had the cheek to a) ask Cameron a question, and b)complain when Cameron, rightly, didn't answer him! The hypocrisy of the man knows no bounds.

These constant accusations that so-and-so "was laughing" when some Tory idiot mentioned a serious subject are really just froth. For one thing, Cameron knows full well the cameras are on him and not the Government front bench, so he could describe anything going on confident in the knowledge that the TV audience will know no better.

For another, the idea that Cameron is genuinely concerned about unemployment is inherently risible. If he was genuinely concerned he might be proposing to do something about it, but he isn't.

David Boothroyd has resorted to a mischevious imp again. I had given him the benefit of the doubt, but his nonsense today is just ridiculous.

It is announced by the speaker as Questions to the Prime Minister.

I accept that this man, who sadly is our prime minister, can answer the question how he chooses. BUT he cannot ask the Leader of the Opposition Questions as he does, and is allowed to get away with it by a hopeless Speaker,

I would urge him, though, to take up the advice of our Labour Imp, Mr Boothroyd, and not stand up to answer ANY question.

David Boothroyd.Why did you choose a man so utterly unsuited to debate?A hopeless media figure, an oddball look to him. Lacks empathy.Has no warmth. Can't think on his feet. Doesn't get the joke unless he has been briefed about it in advance.No wit, no style, no charm , no charisma. Just a dull throbbing monotonous drone of reheated soundbites and selected statistics stitched together to mask the failings listed above.

What do you think he will look like standing next to the President?

It will be as if a sort of Dorian Grey mirror measuring star quality had been placed alongside Obama.

What can he say , he has been telling the most preposterous pack of lies for the last few months and he has been found out.I think we are reaching an " In god's name go! " moment ..Speaking of which that posh boy Boothroyd is being silly again...If he was genuinely concerned he might be proposing to do something about it, but he isn't.

The only real way to encourage employment is to reduce the tax on employing which Conservatives are doing .Reducing the tax on working is tricky given the state of the public purse.I wish David I could tutor you away for this odd belief you cling to have that there is a fairy grotto under the HOP wherec "Jobs" and " Goverment money" spew from a magic fountain.More government = less jobs You made your pact with the devil long ago and your every word contributes to some families misery.

My path once crossed with Master Boothroyd in Box Lane, Congleton many years ago. He's not changed much, only for the worse! He always had a vivid imagination and his condescending attitude transcends very well into his musings on this blog. Remember David, 9/10 for effort, 3/10 for content. See me!

Speaker Mick sums up absolutely everything that is wrong with Parliament. He's either deaf, stupid or in the pocket of the PM - definitely all three, actually.

Brown has further corrupted the office of PM - and his commitment on the steps of number 10 to be open and honest in government has about as much cred as Blair's pledge to be whiter than white.

Biggest laugh of yesterday's PMQs though was seeing the beast of Bolsover tottering to his feet to spew out his question about supposed Tory fatcat bankers.... Sorry Dennis - you are about 35 years out of sync'... What a prat he looked - and sounded.